Addiction

Addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behaviour or substance. It can take the form of a ‘substance addiction’ (for example, alcoholism, drug abuse or smoking), or a ‘process addiction’ (for example, gambling, shopping, eating or sexual activity). Addictions can be influenced by a genetic predisposition (i.e. it runs in the family) or environmental conditions (e.g. peer pressure), or a combination of both.